Slabs of marble, granite and other natural stones that are cut from a quarry arrive at stone yards unfinished and bulky to say the least. A slab of granite on average is 9 by 5 feet and can weigh more than 1,000 pounds. Stone fabrication is the art of fashioning a slab of stone into countertops or other custom forms or shapes. A stone fabricator grinds, sands, and polishes, using hand tools or hand-held power tools to create your surface.

Stone Fabrication and Countertops Services FAQs

Following are some of the most common questions regarding Stone Fabrication and Countetops services.

What Services Do Stone Fabricators Provide?

While all stone fabrication businesses operate differently, most are a one-stop design partner when it comes to decorating with natural stone. Your initial visit to the showroom allows you to choose the stone of your dreams, as well as a finish (e.g., gloss or matte) and your edge profile. There are a variety of edge profiles available, plus custom options that are explained and recommendations will be made depending on your stone and where it is being installed. The fabricator will then visit your home or office to create a template with exact measurements for your surface. After the template is finished, you are generally asked to return to the showroom and select where in your slab you would like the template placed for the final cut. When the surface is complete, the fabricator’s installers will return to your home or business to and handle the installation. Your fabricator will have arranged, or asked you to arrange, a plumber for faucet and dishwasher connections once the stone is in place.

Do Stone Fabricators Create More than Countertops?

Many people think of a stone fabricator for granite countertops, but a stone fabricator can work with almost any natural stone to create just about any surface you have in mind. Beyond kitchen countertops, bar tops and bathroom vanities, stone fabricators commonly cut and polish slabs for fireplace surrounds, furniture tops, and even flooring.

If I am Hiring a Fabricator to Create a Kitchen Countertop or Bathroom Vanity Top, Do I Need to Buy a Sink and Faucets?

The majority of the time when replacing a countertop in the kitchen or bathroom, the sink and faucets are replaced. Obviously that’s a personal decision. If you do purchase a new sink and faucet, alert the stone fabricator when the template is being created. That’s when you will decide where you would like the placement of the faucet holes.

Can I Have my Sink Made of the Same Material as My Countertop?

Yes, and it is all the rage. Integrated sinks are made from the same product as the adjoining countertop, creating a streamlined flow that falls in line perfectly with the minimalistic design trend homeowners now desire for their kitchens and bathrooms. Integrated sinks made with stone such as marble, granite and soapstone offer the beauty, versatility and natural choice many designers and homeowners desire.

Integrated sinks work well with contemporary designs, as well as for homeowners who prefer a more traditional approach. Everyone agrees that it’s so easy to clean because there’s no place for mold or bacteria to hide.

Can the Edge of my Countertop be Custom Designed?

Yes, it can. Fabricators can design and cut most whatever edge your heart desires, although there are additional non-custom choices that are available today to make your surface your own. You will soon be versed in names like bevel, bullnose, ogee, raw and rope.

What Should I Expect When the Job is Done?

When your marble, granite, travertine, limestone or other natural stone has been installed, the fabricator should provide you with proper care instructions. They may recommend certain products to use and leave you with a list of care and maintenance do’s and don’ts to keep your investment looking great.